I would like the feeling
I would like the feeling
I would like the feeling gone
‘Cause I don’t like the way it’s—
I don’t like the way it’s—
I don’t like the way it’s looking
I get caught looking
In the mirror on the regular
What I see there resembles some competitor
I see things behind things behind things
And there are rings within rings within rings
I can’t go through the motions
I can’t go through the motions
How’m I supposed to do this now?
Say we went out strolling
Say we went out strolling
Say I went and told them how
I am afraid of changing
And when it comes a time to check and rearrange shit
There are things behind things behind things
And there are rings within rings within rings
I got caught compiling
I got caught compiling
I got caught compiling my own news
I never lose
And who’s the benefactor?
And how to move without touching every interactor
When there are things behind things behind things
A little further
And there are rings within rings within rings
Peeling Back the Layers of Self
In “THINGS BEHIND THINGS BEHIND THINGS,” Bon Iver invites listeners into a contemplative exploration of self-awareness and the complexities that lie beneath our everyday emotions. The recurring motif of “things behind things behind things” and “rings within rings within rings” suggests a never-ending depth to personal introspection, where each thought or feeling uncovers yet another layer. The lyrics speak to the discomfort of facing one’s own reflection—both literally and metaphorically—and the anxiety that arises from change and self-examination.
Wrestling with Change and Transparency
The song captures the internal struggle of wanting to escape uncomfortable feelings while also confronting the truth that growth requires facing them. Bon Iver’s poetic language underscores the challenge of authenticity, especially when the act of compiling one’s own narrative can blur the lines between self-perception and reality. Ultimately, the song resonates as a meditation on vulnerability and the courage needed to move forward through uncertainty.
Song Credits
- Artist: Bon Iver
- Songwriter: Justin Vernon